A Critical Review of Role of Medhya Dravyas (Nootropic Drugs) in Brain Fog with special reference to Covid- 19

Cognitive dysfunction after COVID-19 are hypoxia, microvascular injury, immunological dysregulation, chronic inflammation, patients with mild infections also report cognitive symptoms. A recognized symptom of long COVID is “Brain Fog”, characterized by fatigue, lack of ability to concentrate and can severely affect memory and cognition. Long-term side effects of COVID-19 is Brain fog which occurs irrespective of the severity of the infection. The Medhya Dravyas (Nootropic drugs) are beneficial to improve the power of retention, grasping, discrimination and recollection thus improving the Medha (Cognition). Present clinical study is an attempt to evaluate the nootropic effect of certain drugs in Brain Fog with special reference to Covid 19. Aim: To review medicinal plants showing Medhya Karma (Nootropic activity) on signs and symptoms correlated with brain fog in Covid 19 with Ayurveda as a natural and safe remedy. Material and Methods: Materials related to Covid 19, Brain fog, Neurological symptoms cognitive impairment, Medhya Dravyas (Nootropic drugs) have been collected from different journals, Ayurveda and Modern text, Authentic websites (PubMed, Google scholar, Scopus, etc.), Observation and Results: Plants reviewed showed nootropic action by Antioxidant, Acetylcholine esterase inhibition, NMDA antagonism, Dopaminergic, Anti-amyloidogenic, Inhibition of Tau aggregation and Neuroprotection. These properties helps in the management of cognitive impairment. Conclusion-Medhya Dravyas possess nootropic and rejuvenative properties. Plants shown maximum inhibitory activities against the factors causing brain Fog by Neuroprotection and memory enhancement. It reveals the strength of the Ayurveda system as well as potential in developing new drug for memory enhancement

Synergistic effect of folic acid and galantamine against experimentally induced oxidative stress in IMR 32 cells

Galantamine is an active constituent obtained from Galanthus nivalis L., a traditional herb known for its pharmacological properties, particularly nootropic effect. Folic acid is a dietary supplement that enhances neuronal activity. Effect of galantamine and folic acid on human neuronal cells is well known. In the present study, we explored the protective effect of galantamine and folic acid, both independently as well as in combination, over antioxidant defence system and nootropic effects on human neuroblastoma cells IMR-32. The treatment galantamine, folic acid and their combination was given for 24 h and cytotoxicity study was carried out by trypan blue dye exclusion assay. Apoptosis and necrosis were observed using Propidium iodide (PI) and Hoechst double staining method. Biochemical assays viz. total protein, protein carbonyl, lipid peroxidation and glutathione were analyzed along with super oxide dismutase and catalase. Result of cytotoxicity showed dose dependent increase in percent viability and significant decrease was observed in apoptosis and necrosis. Moreover, exposure to Galantamine, Folic acid and their combination significantly decreased lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl formation along with the enhancement in antioxidant defence mechanism. Findings of these dose reliant toxicity study of Galantamine , Folic acid and their combination suggest that these has higher potency when given together and shows synergistic effect. They also causes repair of human neuronal cells IMR-32 cells enhancing the cell viability and consumption of Galantamine and Folic acid together will help in prevention of CNS disorders and neurodegeneration.

A Review on Medicinal Plants with Potential Nootropic Activity along with Animal Models Needed for their Screening

Dementia is a brain disorder marked by cognitive dys functioning which causes loss of learning , thinking and memory .Various drugs that possess nootropic activity are used for treatment of dementia but emerges side effects. To overcome these side effects plants with medicinal importance came into existence. India has wide variety of medicinal plants (Centella asiatica, Clitoria ternatea ,Ginkgo biloba, Curcuma longa etc) that has been claimed for nootropic activity with limited side effects. Nootropic activity of medicinal plants can be screened with various animals models that has been able to identify chemicals with potential therapeutic efficacy. The current review article rehabilitates knowledge of medicinal plants with nootropic action, as well as the animal models needed to screen them.

Protective effect of huperzine A on phenytoin induced cognition impairment: Behavioral and biochemical study

Phenytoin, a drug of choice for Epilepsy is also known for its adverse effects. The most common adverse effect due to phenytoin is cognition impairment. Cognition impairment is a serious problem in society as it debars the person's social life. Thus to overcome such a problem demand for a solution arises. Huperzine, sesquiterpene alkaloids having immense neuroprotective properties. Thus in this study, it was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of huperzine on Phenytoin- induced Cognition Impairment. The protective effect of huperzine on phenytoin-induced cognition impairment was evaluated in rats. The effect of Huperzine on phenytoin-induced cognitive impairment was evaluated by behavioral, biochemical, and histopathological studies. The co-administration of huperzine with phenytoin showed significant results. The treatment of Huperzine with phenytoin resulted in significant improvement in learning and memory. The oxidative stress induced by Phenytoin was reversed by huperzine. A significant decrease in cholinesterase activity was also observed. The histopathology showed damaged neuronal cells in periventricular regions and cortex due to phenytoin which was altered by Huperzine. Thus, the present study demonstrates the protective effect of huperzine on phenytoin-induced cognition impairment.

Melhoramento cognitivo farmacológico: futuro promissor? Ou futuro inevitável? / Pharmacological cognitive enhancement: a promising or an inevitable future? / Mejoramiento cognitivo farmacológico: ¿Un futuro prometedor? ¿O un futuro inevitable?

Resumo Funções cognitivas são alvo frequente de curiosidade, estudo e reflexão, pois são estruturantes para o ser o humano tal como o conhecemos. Compreender os limites cognitivos, os processos que os originam e a forma de os ultrapassar é, por isso, forma de entender a condição humana e de perceber as consequências da potencial manipulação da cognição. Nos últimos anos tem havido interesse crescente no melhoramento cognitivo mediante o uso de fármacos, e com ele têm surgido diversos e importantes dilemas éticos, médicos e legais. O objetivo deste ensaio é refletir sobre os problemas éticos levantados. Pode-se concluir que o melhoramento cognitivo farmacológico tem de ser mais bem estudado no nível farmacodinâmico para que sua aplicação - regulada e em contextos específicos - possa beneficiar indivíduos e sociedade, não pondo em causa a autenticidade da condição humana.

Abstract Human cognitive functions are often targets of curiosity, study and reflections, since they are essential for human beings. Understanding our cognitive boundaries, the processes that originate them, and how to overcome them means comprehending the human condition and the consequences of manipulating cognition. In recent years, growing interest has been observed in cognitive enhancement with the help of drugs, resulting in several important ethical, medical, and legal dilemmas. This article analyzed the ethical issues involved in this process and concluded that pharmacological cognitive enhancement needs further studies at the pharmacodynamic level, so that its application - regulated and in specific contexts - can benefit individuals and society, without undermining the authenticity of the human condition.

Resumen Las funciones cognitivas humanas son objeto frecuente de curiosidad, estudio y reflexión, ya que estructuran el ser humano tal como lo conocemos. Comprender los límites cognitivos, los procesos que los originan y la forma de superarlos es, por lo tanto, una forma de entender la condición humana y percibir las consecuencias de la potencial manipulación de la cognición. En los últimos años ha habido un interés creciente en el mejoramiento cognitivo a través del uso de productos farmacéuticos, y con ello han surgido una serie de importantes dilemas éticos, médicos y legales. El propósito de este ensayo es reflexionar sobre los problemas éticos planteados. Se puede concluir que el mejoramiento cognitivo farmacológico debe estudiarse mejor en el ámbito farmacodinámico, de modo que su aplicación, regulada y en contextos específicos, pueda beneficiar a individuos y a la sociedad sin comprometer la autenticidad de la condición humana.

Circulación de información sobre medicamentos y otras sustancias para aumentar el rendimiento cognitivo: un estudio de un blog brasileño (2015-2017) / Circulation of information on drugs and other substances to increase cognitive performance: a study of a Brazilian blog (2015-2017)

RESUMEN Al observar los procesos de (bio)medicalización y farmacologización de la sociedad, este artículo aborda los medicamentos que han sido utilizados por individuos sanos para aumentar sus dimensiones cognitivas, como el estado de alerta, la memoria y la concentración. Las llamadas "drogas inteligentes" o "drogas nootrópicas" se han extendido entre los jóvenes a través de Internet. La circulación de información sobre tales drogas se analiza desde un blog brasileño llamado Cérebro Turbinado, sobre el que se realizó una investigación documental basada en el material publicado en el blog entre 2015 y 2017, de acceso público. La investigación adopta marcos teóricos y metodológicos de las ciencias sociales, junto a una perspectiva antropológica. Los resultados muestran que el blog actúa como un medio para la difusión del conocimiento biomédico entre el público lego y muestra la producción de nuevas formas de subjetividad al revelar los significados que se atribuyen a tales sustancias en los procesos de socialización.

ABSTRACT By observing the processes of (bio)medicalization and pharmaceuticalization of society, this article addresses drugs that have been used by healthy individuals to increase cognitive dimensions such as alertness, memory, and concentration. The use of so-called "smart drugs" or "nootropics" has spread among young people, aided by the internet. The circulation of information about such drugs are analyzed using a Brazilian blog called "Cérebro Turbinado," through publications available for public access between 2015 and 2017. The study adopts theoretical and methodological frameworks of the social sciences, including an anthropological perspective. Documental research was conducted on the internet, specifically with scientific dissemination materials and the material available from the aforementioned blog. The results show that the blog acts as a medium for spreading biomedical knowledge among the lay public and indicates the production of new forms of subjectivity by revealing the meanings attributed to these substances in socialization processes.

Methylphenidate as a cognitive enhancer in healthy young people / Metilfenidato como ampliador cognitivo em jovens saudáveis

ABSTRACT. The so-called cognitive enhancers have been widely and increasingly used by healthy individuals who seek improvements in cognitive performance despite having no pathologies. One drug used for this purpose is methylphenidate, a first-line drug for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Objective: The aim of the present study was to test the effect of acute administration of varying doses of methylphenidate (10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg and placebo) on a wide range of cognitive functions in healthy young people. Methods: A total of 36 young university students and graduates participated in the study. The participants underwent tests of attention and of episodic, and working memory. Results: No differences in performance were observed on any of the tests. There was a dose-dependent (40 mg > placebo) effect on self-reported wellbeing. Conclusions: According to the recent literature, psychostimulant medications, such as methylphenidate, improve performance when cognitive processes are below an optimal level, which was not the case for the subjects of the present study. We suggest the impression that methylphenidate enhances cognitive performance in healthy young people, justifying its use, may be due to improvements in subjective wellbeing promoted by the drug.

RESUMO. Os chamados ampliadores cognitivos têm sido ampla e crescentemente utilizados por indivíduos saudáveis, que apesar de não apresentarem nenhum tipo de patologia, buscam por melhoras no desempenho cognitivo. Um fármaco utilizado para este fim é o metilfenidato, droga de primeira escolha para tratamento do transtorno de déficit de atenção e hiperatividade (TDAH). Objetivo: O presente estudo teve como objetivo verificar o efeito da administração aguda de diferentes doses de metilfenidato (10, 20 e 40 mg e placebo) sobre uma ampla gama de funções cognitivas em jovens saudáveis. Métodos: Participaram do estudo 36 jovens universitários ou graduados, tendo sido realizados testes de atenção, memória operacional, episódica. Resultados: Não foram observadas diferenças no desempenho dos sujeitos em nenhum dos testes. Houve efeito na auto-avaliação de bem estar, sendo este efeito dose dependente (40 mg > placebo). Conclusão: De acordo com a literatura recente, medicações psicoestimulantes, como o metilfenidato, produzem melhoras no desempenho quando os processos cognitivos estão abaixo de um nível ótimo, o que não era o caso dos sujeitos do presente estudo. Sugerimos que a impressão de que o metilfenidato melhora o desempenho cognitivo em pessoas jovens e saudáveis se deve ao seu efeito subjetivo de bem-estar.

Safety and Efficacy of Cerebrolysin in Infants with Communication Defects due to Severe Perinatal Brain Insult: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The neuroregenerative drug Cerebrolysin has demonstrated efficacy in improving cognition in adults with stroke and Alzheimer's disease. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of Cerebrolysin in the treatment of communication defects in infants with severe perinatal brain insult. METHODS: A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in which 158 infants (age 6-21 months) with communication defects due to severe perinatal brain insult were enrolled; 120 infants completed the study. The Cerebrolysin group (n=60) received twice-weekly Cerebrolysin injections of 0.1 mL/kg body weight for 5 weeks (total of ten injections). The placebo group (n=60) received the same amount and number of normal saline injections. RESULTS: The baseline Communication and Symbolic-Behavior-Scale-Developmental Profile scores were comparable between the two groups. After 3 months, the placebo group exhibited improvements in the social (p<0.01) and speech composite (p=0.02) scores, with 10% and 1.5% increases from baseline, respectively. The scores of the Cerebrolysin group changed from concern to no concern, with increases of 65.44%, 45.54%, 358.06%, and 96.00% from baseline in the social (p<0.001), speech (p<0.001), symbolic (p<0.001), and total (p<0.001) scores. CONCLUSIONS: Cerebrolysin dramatically improved infants' communication especially symbolic behavior which positively affected social interaction. These findings suggest that cerebrolysin may be an effective and feasible way equivalent to stem cell therapy.

Exploring Bhavana samskara using Tinospora cordifolia and Phyllanthus emblica combination for learning and memory in mice.

Background: Current medications for dementia and enhancement of learning and memory are limited hence we need to explore traditional medicinal systems like Ayurveda to investigate agents that can improve learning and enhance memory. Objective: The present study was carried out to evaluate effects and mechanisms of Ayurveda drug formulations, Tinospora cordifolia (Tc) and Phyllanthus emblica (Pe) with and without Bhavana samskara on learning and memory of mice. Materials and Methods: After approval of Animal Ethics Committee, Swiss albino mice were divided into seven groups, administered orally: Distilled water, Rivastigmine (2.4 mg/kg), Tc (100 mg/kg), Pe (300 mg/kg), formulation 1 (Tc + Pe: 400 mg/kg) and formulation 2 (Tc + Pe + Ocimum sanctum: 400 mg/kg) daily for 15 days. Piracetam (200 mg/kg) was injected daily intraperitoneally for 8 days. The mice underwent a learning session using elevated plus maze. Memory was tested 24 hours later. Results: Mice pretreated with all the drugs showed a trend toward reducing transfer latencies but values were comparable to vehicle control. In all drug‑treated groups, a significant reduction in transfer latency was observed after 24 h. Improvement in learning and memory by both formulations were comparable to individual plant drugs, Tc and Pe. Conclusion: The plant drugs showed improvements in learning and memory. The fixed‑dose formulations with Bhavana samskara, showed encouraging results as compared to individual agents but the difference was not statistically significant. Hence, the concept of Bhavana samskara could not be explored in the present study. However, these drugs showed comparable or better effects than the modern medicinal agents thus, their therapeutic potential as nootropics needs to be explored further.

Interaction of two memory enhancing herbal drugs Memory Plus and Mentat with diazepam and phenytoin sodium in mice.

Background: The non-medical self-administration of memory enhancing drugs is a common practice. Present study was designed to evaluate interactions of two such herbal drugs Memory Plus (MP) and Mentat, with other central nervous system (CNS) active drugs. Methods: Two activities - pentobarbitone sleeping time (PST) and maximal electroshock seizures (MES) were performed using adult albino mice weighing 25-30 g to observe the interactions of the herbal drugs with diazepam and phenytoin sodium, respectively. For each activity, animals were divided into seven groups of six mice each. Group I was a control group receiving 0.2 ml of 1% Tween 80 i.p/0.2 ml saline p.o, Group II, III and IV acute treatment groups; received single dose of herbal (2 mg/kg i.p MP or 200 mg/kg p.o Mentat) CNS-active drugs alone in subeffective doses group II - diazepam 5 mg/kg i.p, Group III PS 15 mg/kg i.p and Group IV - MP/Mentat+diazepam or PS, respectively. Groups V, VI, and VII were subchronic treatment groups, received drugs once daily for 8 days same as acute treatment groups. Sleeping time was measured as the interval between the loss and recovery of righting refl ex and anticonvulsant activity by giving supra maximal shock via ear electrodes using a techno electro convulsiometer. Results: Both MP and Mentat showed potentiation of effect of diazepam and PS in subchronic treatment groups by signifi cantly prolonging PST (p<0.05) and by showing signifi cant percentage protection in MES method (p<0.05) compared to control group. Conclusion: Subchronic administration of MP and Mentat shows significant interaction with diazepam and PS. Further human studies are warranted to confi rm these fi ndings.

Nootropic effect of gensenosides Rg1 and Rb1 and their metabolites / 中草药

As the main active ingredients of ginseng, ginsenosides have many pharmacologic effects, and the nootropic effects are the important pharmacologic action of ginsenosides. Among all of the ginsenosides, the contents of ginsenosides Rg1 and Rb1 are the highest. The nootropic effects of ginsenosides Rg Rb1, and their metabolites are summarized in this paper following four aspects: the effects of ginsenoside Rg1 and Rb1 on the animal behaviors, their effects on different brain regions in rodents, the effects on neurotransmitters, and their effects on signaling pathway on learning and memory. The nootropic effects of their metabolites are also mentioned.

The Combination of Antidepressant Duloxetine with Piracetam in Mice does not Produce Enhancement of Nootropic Activity

There is a strong association between depression and memory impairment. The present study aims to assess the nootropic activity of duloxetine and piracetam combination. Male Swiss Albino mice were divided randomly into 4 groups. Treatment of normal saline (10 ml/kg), duloxetine (10 mg/kg), piracetam (100 mg/kg), and duloxetine (5 mg/kg) plus piracetam (50 mg/kg) were given through intra-peritoneal route to group I-IV, respectively. Transfer latency in elevated plus maze (EPM) and time spent in target quadrant in Morris water maze (MWM) were recorded. Estimation of brain monoamines in hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and whole brain were done using HPLC with fluorescence detector. Piracetam treated group showed significant decrease in transfer latency in EPM and increase in time spent in target quadrant recorded in MWM. Combination treated group failed to produce statistically significant nootropic effect in both EPM and MWM. Combination treated group failed to increase brain monoamine levels when compared against duloxetine and piracetam treated groups, separately. But there was exception of significant increase in norepinephrine levels in hippocampi when compared against duloxetine treated group. Results indicate no cognitive benefits with piracetam plus duloxetine combination. These findings can be further probed with the aim of understanding the interaction between duloxetine and piracetam as a future endeavor.

Immunostimulant, cerebroprotective & nootropic activities of Andrographis paniculata leaves extract in normal & type 2 diabetic rats.

Background & objectives: A large number of plants have been recognized to be effective in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Persistent hyperglycaemia is associated with decreased function of immune system and cerebral ischaemia mainly due to increased oxidative stress and inflammatory response. Andrographis paniculata is a medicinal plant widely used in folk medicine for various purposes. In this study the effect of chronic administration (7 days) of methanolic extract of A. paniculata leaves was studied in rats with experimentally induced diabetes, nootropic and immunostimulant activities were evaluated. The effect of acute administration of methanolic extract of A. paniculata leaves was also studied for cerebroprotective activity. Methods: Type 2 diabetes was induced in rats by streptozotocin (STZ) (65 mg/kg) + nicotinamide (150 mg/kg). Various biochemical parameters were estimated using standard methods. Results: A significant (P<0.05) increase in cognitive function was observed in both normal and type 2 diabetic rats. Nootropic activity in terms of per cent reduction in latency period was more in type 2 diabetic rats. A significant increase in blood lymphocyte count, splenic lymphocyte count and peritoneal macrophage count was observed in both normal and type 2 diabetic rats. Immunostimulant activity was observed more in type 2 diabetic rats. The per cent decrease in cerebral infarction was more in type 2 diabetic rats when compared to normal rats. The per cent increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels was more in type 2 diabetic rats. Interpretation & conclusions: The antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract of A. paniculata leaves was evident by decreased tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increased SOD levels. These properties may be responsible for the observed cerebroprotective activity. The methanolic leaf extract of A. paniculata showed significant immunostimulant, cerebroprotective and nootropic activities in normal and type 2 diabetic rats.

Uso não terapêutico do metilfenidato: uma revisão / Non-medical use of methylphenidate: a review

INTRODUCTION: Methylphenidate is a psychostimulant medication used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy. However, it has also been used for non-medical purposes, e.g. to produce euphoria, to increase self-esteem, and to achieve the so-called neurocognitive enhancement, decreasing the feeling of tiredness and increasing focus and attention. OBJECTIVE: To describe, from theoretical and contextual points of view, the potential for abuse and non-medical use of methylphenidate. METHOD: The PubMed, SciELO and Cochrane databases were searched using the following keywords in Portuguese: metilfenidato, transtorno do déficit de atenção com hiperatividade, facilitadores dos processos cognitivos or agentes nootrópicos, and abuso de substâncias; and in English: methylphenidate, attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity, cognitive enhancement or nootropic agents, and substance abuse. Studies published between 1990 and 2010 were selected for review. RESULTS: Non-medical use of methylphenidate is a relevant topic that raises important ethical and scientific questions in several areas, e.g. pharmacological and neurobiological characteristics, evidence of methylphenidate use, forms of non-medical use of methylphenidate, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic application of methylphenidate. According to the review, methylphenidate can generally influence performance as a result of its stimulatory effect. Notwithstanding, evidence does not support the conclusion that it can enhance cognitive performance. CONCLUSION: Health professionals need to acquire expert knowledge and inform patients and their families on the methylphenidate potential for abuse when used with non-medical purposes.

INTRODUÇÃO: O metilfenidato é um medicamento psicoestimulante usado no tratamento do transtorno de déficit de atenção e hiperatividade e da narcolepsia. No entanto, a droga também vem sendo utilizada com fins não terapêuticos, por exemplo para produzir euforia, aumentar a autoestima e obter o chamado aprimoramento neurocognitivo, diminuindo a sensação de cansaço e aumentando o foco e a atenção. OBJETIVO: Descrever, sob o ponto de vista teórico e contextual, o potencial de abuso do metilfenidato quando usado com fins não terapêuticos. MÉTODO: Foi realizada uma pesquisa nos bancos de dados PubMed, SciELO e Cochrane, utilizando os seguintes termos em português: metilfenidato, transtorno do déficit de atenção com hiperatividade, facilitadores dos processos cognitivos or agentes nootrópicos e abuso de substâncias; e, em inglês: methylphenidate, attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity, cognitive enhancement or nootropic agents e substance abuse. Foram selecionados estudos publicados entre 1990 e 2010. RESULTADOS: O uso não terapêutico do metilfenidato é um tema relevante e que suscita questões científicas e éticas importantes sob diversos aspectos, por exemplo características farmacológicas e neurobiológicas, evidência de uso da droga, formas não terapêuticas de uso, mecanismos de ação e aplicação terapêutica do metilfenidato. De acordo com a revisão o metilfenidato pode, em geral, influenciar o desempenho como resultado de seu efeito estimulatório. No entanto, independentemente disso, as evidências não apoiam a conclusão de que ele possa promover um melhor desempenho cognitivo. CONCLUSÃO: É importante que profissionais da saúde tenham conhecimento e informem os pacientes e suas famílias sobre o potencial de abuso do metilfenidato quando usado com fins não terapêuticos.

The Effect of Combined Therapy of Exercise and Nootropic Agent on Cognitive Function in Focal Cerebral Infarction Rat Model

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of combined therapy of exercise and nootropic agent on cognitive function in a focal cerebral infarction rat model. METHOD: Forty 10-week old male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to photothrombotic cerebral infarction of the left parietal lobe. All rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: group A was photothrombotic cerebral infarction rats without any treatment (n=10); group B was photothrombotic cerebral infarction rats with swimming exercise (n=10); group C was photothrombotic cerebral infarction rats with oral administration of acetyl-L-carnitine (n=10); group D was photothrombotic cerebral infarction rats with swimming exercise and oral administration of acetyl-L-carnitine (n=10). Cognitive function was evaluated using the Morris water maze test on the 1st day, and the 1st, 2nd, and 4th week after the induction of cerebral infarction. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the hippocampus were measured. The neuronal cells of the hippocampus were histopathologically evaluated. RESULTS: The escape latency was shorter in groups B, C, and D than in group A. However, the differences were not statistically significant at the 1st, 2nd and 4th week. The activity of SOD was the highest in group D. The level of MDA was the lowest in group D. We observed more normal neuronal cells in groups B, C, and D. CONCLUSION: The combined therapy of exercise and nootropic agent was helpful in ameliorating oxidative stress in the focal cerebral infarction rat model. However, the effect did not translate into improvement of cognitive function.

Antiamnesic evaluation of C. phlomidis Linn. bark extract in mice / Avaliação da atividade antiamnésica da casca de C. phlomidis Linn. em camundongos

Clerodendron phlomidis Linn. (Verbenaceae) is known as Agnimantha in sanskrit. Bark of the plant is used in treating various nervous disorders. In the present study C. phlomidis was investigated for its potential as a nootropic agent in mice. The aqueous extract of the C. phlomidis (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered for 6 successive days to both young and aged mice. Exteroceptive behavioral models such as elevated plus maze and passive avoidance paradigm were employed to evaluate short term and long term memory respectively. Scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg, i.p.), diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.p.) were employed to induce amnesia in mice. To delineate the mechanism by which C. phlomidis exerts nootropic action, its effect on brain acetyl cholinesterase levels were determined. Piracetam (200 mg/kg, i.p.) was used as a standard nootropic agent. Pretreatment with C. phlomidis (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) for 6 successive days significantly improved learning and memory in mice. It reversed the amnesia induced by scopolamine, diazepam and natural ageing. It also decreased the acetyl cholinesterase levels in the whole brain. The bark of C. phlomidis can be of enormous use in the management of treatment of cognitive disorders such as amnesia and Alzheimer's disease.

Clerodendron phlomidis Linn. (Verbenaceae) é conhecida como Agnimantha em sânscrito. A casca da planta é utilizada no tratamento de várias disfunções neurológicas. No presente estudo, C. phlomidis foi investigada pelo seu potencial como agente nootrópico em camundongos. O extrato aquoso de C. phlomidis (100 e 200 mg/kg, p.o.) foi administrado por seis dias consecutivos tanto para camundongos jovens quanto para idosos. Modelos comportamentais exteroceptivos, tais como labirinto em cruz elevada e paradigma de esquiva passiva foram empregados para avaliar memória recente e tardia, respectivamente. Escopolamina (0,4 mg/kg i.p.), diazepam (1 mg/kg i.p.) foram empregados para induzir amnésia em camundongos. A fim de delinear o mecanismo pelo qual C. phlomidis exerce ação nootrópica, determinaram-se seus efeitos nos níveis cerebrais de acetilcolinesterase. Utilizau-se piracetam (200 mg/kg i.p.) como nootrópico padrão. O pré-tratamento com C. phlomidis (100 e 200 mg/kg, p.o.) por seis dias sucessivos melhorou, significativamente, o aprendizado e a memória em camundongos. Ela reverteu a amnésia induzida por escopolamina, diazepam e pelo envelhecimento normal. Também, diminuíram-se os níveis de acetilcolinesteraseem todo o cérebro. A casca de C. phlomidis pode ser de grande uso no tratamento de disfunções cognitivas, como amnésia e doença de Alzheimer.

Studies on nootropic activity and mechanism of emodin-8-O-?-D-glucopyranoside / 中草药

Object To investigate the nootropic activity of emodin 8 O ? D glucopyranoside, the active principle of Radix Polygoni Multiflori Preparata(PMEG), and its mechanism of action Methods Nootropic activity was evaluated with step down test of mice, and its nootropic mechanism studied by its antiacetylcholinesterase (anti AchE) effect on mice brain in vivo and in vitro as determined by pectrophotometry Results PMEG (ig) significantly improved the learning and memory of both normal and intelectual deficit mice induced by scopolamine PMEG showed dose dependent inhibition of AchE, and the antiacetylcholinesterase effect is reversible both in vivo and in vitro In acute experiment, the half recovery time of AchE is 115 min, and 165 min in chronic experiment Conclusion PMEG showed good nootropic activity, and it is a reversible AchE inhibitor